Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disorder that remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, although we now have a better understanding of the disease and better tools to manage it. Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic bone disease, affecting 10 million Americans, with an additional 33.6 million having reduced bone mineral density (BMD) of the hip.1 One in 2 Caucasian women and 1 in 5 men will experience an osteoporosis­related fracture over their lifetime, responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures every year.

When an osteoporosis­related fracture occurs, it can have a debilitating effect on patients. In women with hip fractures related to osteoporosis, less than 50% will regain their ability to participate in activities of daily living. Nearly 20% will require long­term care in a nursing home. Hip fractures result in a substantial incidence of mortality, with about 20% to 24% of patients dying within the first year after fracture.1
Because osteoporosis occurs without signs and symptoms until a fracture occurs, clinicians should attempt to identify those patients at risk for fractures in order to initiate lifestyle changes and offer medication.… [Continue Reading]